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Religious discrimination

Religious discrimination legislation has been in place in the UK since 2003, although individuals of religious denominations that are associated with one particular race have been bringing race discrimination claims much earlier than 2003. “Religion or belief” is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.

Religious discrimination laws cover direct and indirect religious discrimination, and harassment and victimisation because of someone's religion.

Any religion is protected under UK equal opportunities laws. This means that, while the majority of claims will be brought by Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and Jews, it is possible for an employer to face a workplace discrimination from followers of other religions such as Pagans, Spiritualists or Wiccans (Holland v Angel Supermarket Ltd and another). A lack of religion is also covered.


    • IR35
    • Bank holidays
    • Latest News

    Top 10 HR questions February 2025: Supporting employees observing Ramadan

    by Brightmine 4 Mar 2025
    by Brightmine 4 Mar 2025

    Most frequently asked questions during February include queries about Ramadan and dismissals on the grounds of ill health.

    • Coronavirus
    • Latest News
    • Religious discrimination

    Ramadan in the workplace: top tips for employers

    by Stephen Simpson 21 Feb 2025
    by Stephen Simpson 21 Feb 2025

    With Ramadan approaching, Stephen Simpson provides a five-point checklist for employers on how to support employees observing religious festivals.

    • Case law
    • Latest News
    • Education

    Free speech: Kristie Higgs triumphs at Court of Appeal

    by Rob Moss 12 Feb 2025
    by Rob Moss 12 Feb 2025

    Christian school assistant sacked after sharing Facebook posts her employer deemed trans- and homophobic wins case at the Court of Appeal.

    • Case law
    • Belief discrimination
    • Employment law

    Higgs’ victory has ‘profound’ implications for employers

    by Rob Moss 12 Feb 2025
    by Rob Moss 12 Feb 2025

    Employment lawyers and other experts provide their reaction to the Higgs v Farmor's School ruling and examine the implications for employers.

    • Belief discrimination
    • Latest News
    • Discrimination

    Christian social worker case: are there implications for diversity at work?

    by Shakil Butt 5 Jul 2024
    by Shakil Butt 5 Jul 2024

    What are the implications of the recent ruling that a Christian social worker was discriminated against due to his views on homosexuality?

    • Latest News
    • Race discrimination
    • Religious discrimination

    Lab assistant likened to ‘radicalised’ murderer receives payout

    by Ashleigh Webber 2 Apr 2024
    by Ashleigh Webber 2 Apr 2024

    A lab assistant who discovered a recording in which his former manager said he had been 'radicalised' has settled his discrimination case.

    • Bullying and harassment
    • NHS
    • Latest News

    Bare below elbows: Muslim medic loses religious discrimination claim

    by Rob Moss 27 Mar 2024
    by Rob Moss 27 Mar 2024

    Surgeon told she must be 'bare below the elbows' loses religious discrimination and harassment claim against Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.

    • Bullying and harassment
    • Belief discrimination
    • Local authorities

    Watford council faces gender-critical belief claim

    by Rob Moss 18 Mar 2024
    by Rob Moss 18 Mar 2024

    Artist takes legal action against Watford council after being banned from exhibition and reported to police for gender-critical beliefs.

    • Case law
    • Belief discrimination
    • Latest News

    Actress to take religious discrimination claim to Court of Appeal

    by Rob Moss 14 Mar 2024
    by Rob Moss 14 Mar 2024

    Christian actress Seyi Omooba to take case to Court of Appeal following EAT decision that she had not been religiously discriminated against.

    • Case law
    • Belief discrimination
    • Latest News

    Kristie Higgs’ case heads to Court of Appeal

    by Rob Moss 29 Jan 2024
    by Rob Moss 29 Jan 2024

    Five-year legal battle continues after Kristie Higgs wins right to have religious discrimination case heard by Court of Appeal.

    • Latest News
    • Religious discrimination
    • Religion

    Religion at work: discrimination is commonplace

    by Rob Moss 6 Dec 2023
    by Rob Moss 6 Dec 2023

    Discrimination against religious employees is common in many workplaces, according to research into religion at work in the UK and the US.

    • Belief discrimination
    • Latest News
    • Employment tribunals

    Kristie Higgs religious discrimination case to be reheard by tribunal

    by Ashleigh Webber 16 Jun 2023
    by Ashleigh Webber 16 Jun 2023

    Kristie Higgs' case against a school that dismissed her over Faacebook posts expressing her beliefs is to be reheard.

    • Coronavirus
    • Vaccinations
    • Belief discrimination

    Care home wins ‘no jab, no job’ case

    by Ashleigh Webber 14 Dec 2022
    by Ashleigh Webber 14 Dec 2022

    A care home operator had the right to dismiss employees who refused to be vaccinated against Covid-19, an employment tribunal has ruled.

    • Belief discrimination
    • Equality, diversity and inclusion
    • Latest News

    Lack of inclusion blights working lives of many UK Hindus

    by Adam McCulloch 22 Nov 2022
    by Adam McCulloch 22 Nov 2022

    New research has found that hardly any Hindus feel their organisation is happy for them to take time off for religious festivals.

    • Belief discrimination
    • Equality, diversity and inclusion
    • Latest News

    How to create an inclusive workplace for religion

    by Zuraida Curtis 29 Jul 2022
    by Zuraida Curtis 29 Jul 2022

    Observing good practice in respect of religion can help build a more diverse, inclusive, respectful and motivated workforce. In creating...

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